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Lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, depression, headaches, dizziness, fainting – these are the first symptoms of malnutrition.
- According to WHO, malnutrition is “an imbalance at the cellular level between the demand for nutrients and energy, and the supply that allows for growth, sustaining vital functions and performing specific functions” *
- When the nutrients absorbed by the body (proteins, vitamins and various minerals: calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc.) are not sufficient for the proper functioning of all life functions, the effects can be extremely severe for the health and functioning of the body
- Malnutrition itself is a health risk, and it also hampers the recovery process in all diseases and accidents
What does a good diet give us?
An appropriate, well-balanced diet for a given patient not only helps to maintain an optimal body weight, but also – and perhaps most importantly – helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and, in the case of treatment, minimize the side effects of medication and lifestyle changes. Diet is also a source of energy that is especially needed for recovery. During this period, the body’s energy demand is greater – it is required, among others, by to the intense action of immune mechanisms and the process of rebuilding damaged tissues.
The key source of energy for humans is protein, which is also the basic building block of all organs. Therefore, specialized products used in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition are usually high-protein preparations. They can be the core of the patient’s diet or its supplement. It is important to introduce them into the diet as early as possible – before malnutrition wreaks havoc on the patient’s body. It is best to implement a specialized diet for prophylactic purposes, if you are concerned that malnutrition may occur, e.g. as a result of long-term therapy or planned surgery – even in the case of a single surgery, malnutrition may occur.
Symptoms of malnutrition cover a wide range of ailments. In severe stages, malnutrition is associated with:
- bradycardia,
- hypothermia
- visible changes in the appearance of the body: dull, thinning hair on the head, sunken cheeks, sallow skin, dry, rough, flaky skin, swelling of the limbs, emaciated figure, loss of muscle mass,
- drowsiness, lack of energy, lack or weakening of emotional reactions (difficulty concentrating, depression), headaches, dizziness, fainting often appear,
- after puberty, breast atrophy or atrophic vaginitis may occur.
During periods of illness and recovery, malnutrition can dramatically slow down or prevent the recovery process, impairing the function of the immune system. Deficiencies of essential nutrients in a situation where the demand is greater than the daily requirement is a critical situation for the body. Why the prevention of malnutrition and the use of appropriate, high-energy foods, such as Nutramil Complex when needed, is the foundation of the recovery process.
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency
Malnutrition is first manifested by weight and height deficiencies, reduced physical and mental performance, and multiple metabolic disorders. First, adipose tissue is lost, followed by muscle loss. Long-term untreated malnutrition may lead to impaired immunity, atrophy of the intestinal mucosa, and fatty liver. The organs that are especially important for life, such as the heart and central nervous system, are protected for the longest, but with time their functioning is disturbed. Therefore, advanced malnutrition can lead to irreversible changes in the body and even lead to death.
Malnutrition is a serious problem that may affect most patients to a greater or lesser extent, even if they are not chronically ill – enough surgery will leave us immobilized in a hospital bed for several days. The key here is prevention and quick action before serious disturbances in the functioning of the body occur. Therefore, it is worth reacting at the appearance of its first symptoms, such as weight loss or depressed mood.
* Source: http://www.sejm.gov.pl
The material was created in cooperation with Nutramil Complex